Understanding Fabric Grades

Understanding Fabric Grades for Outdoor Cushions

Why “Grade A vs Grade C” Doesn’t Mean What You Think

Cascadia Outdoor Cushions partners with a network of trusted U.S.-based manufacturers who produce high-quality custom cushions and sell primarily to the trade rather than the general public. Each manufacturer uses its own fabric grading system based on sourcing, volume purchasing, and product offerings. Our pricing reflects those fabric grades and cushion costs, allowing us to offer a wide range of premium outdoor cushion options with complete transparency in how fabrics are categorized and priced.

When shopping for custom outdoor cushions, you may see fabrics labeled as:

Group A, Group B, Group C… or even Group F

Naturally, most people assume:

“Higher grade = better quality”

But here’s the reality:

Fabric grading is not a universal quality system—it’s a pricing system.

And even more important:

Every manufacturer creates their own grading scale.

That means a Group C fabric from one company could be a Group A from another.

Understanding how fabric grading actually works will help you make better decisions—and avoid unnecessary confusion when selecting fabrics.

What is Fabric Grading?

Fabric grading is a system used by cushion and furniture manufacturers to organize and price fabric options.

It is not a standardized industry rating.

Instead, fabric grades are based primarily on:

• Cost of the fabric to the manufacturer

• Complexity of the weave or pattern

• Fiber type (acrylic, polyester, blends, etc.)

• Manufacturing process

In simple terms:

👉 Fabric grade reflects what the manufacturer pays for the fabric—not necessarily how “good” it is.

Why Fabric Grades Are Different Between Manufacturers

This is where most confusion happens.

Each manufacturer:

• Sources fabrics from different suppliers

• Negotiates different pricing based on volume

• Chooses which fabrics to include in their line

• Builds their own pricing structure

Because of this:

👉 There is no universal grading scale across the industry. 

Example:

• Manufacturer A may label a Sunbrella fabric as Group C

• Manufacturer B may label that same fabric as Group A

Same fabric. Same performance.
Different pricing structure.

What Actually Determines Fabric Grade?

Several factors influence how a manufacturer assigns a fabric grade.

1. Fabric Cost (Most Important)

The biggest driver of fabric grade is simply:

👉 What the manufacturer pays for the fabric

Higher-cost fabrics are placed in higher grade groups.

This is why fabric grading is primarily a pricing tool, not a quality ranking

2. Fiber Type

Different fibers have different costs:

• Solution-dyed acrylic (like Sunbrella) → higher cost

• Performance polyester → moderate cost

• Basic polyester blends → lower cost

Higher-cost fibers often fall into higher fabric groups.

3. Pattern Complexity

More complex fabrics cost more to produce.

Examples:

• Intricate woven patterns

• Jacquard designs

• Multi-color weaves

These fabrics typically fall into higher fabric grades because they require more time and materials to manufacture.

4. Fabric Construction & Finishing

Some fabrics include additional treatments such as:

• Stain resistance

• Water repellency

• UV stabilization

These features can increase production cost and influence grading.

5. Durability (But Not Always)

While durability can influence grade, it is not the primary factor.

For example:

• A simple solid Sunbrella fabric may be very durable but priced lower

• A decorative patterned fabric may be less durable but priced higher

This is why:

Higher grade does not always mean more durable.

The Role of Volume Purchasing

This is a big one—and very relevant to your business.

Manufacturers that buy large quantities of fabric can negotiate better pricing from mills.

This means:

• A high-volume manufacturer may offer Sunbrella at a lower grade

• A smaller manufacturer may place the same fabric in a higher grade

Fabric grading often reflects buying power as much as fabric type.

Some Manufacturers Only Offer Sunbrella—Others Offer Everything

Not all cushion manufacturers operate the same way.

Some Manufacturers:

• Only offer Sunbrella fabrics

• Build pricing tiers within that single brand

Others (like you):

• Offer multiple fabric brands

• Include Sunbrella, Outdura, Tempotest, Revolution, and more

• Create broader grading systems across different fabric types

This leads to even more variation in how fabrics are grouped and priced.

Does a Higher Fabric Grade Mean Better Quality?

Not necessarily.

Fabric grade does NOT automatically indicate:

-Better durability
-Better weather resistance
- Longer lifespan

It usually indicates:

-Higher cost to the manufacturer
-More complex design
-Different fiber type

What Actually Matters More Than Fabric Grade?

When choosing outdoor cushion fabric, the factors that truly matter go well beyond fabric grade. Durability plays a key role and is often measured by abrasion resistance, such as double rub counts, which indicate how well the fabric will hold up over time. UV resistance is equally important, determining how well the fabric maintains its color and resists fading in direct sunlight. Cleanability should also be considered, especially for outdoor use, where the ability to easily remove stains, mold, and mildew can make a significant difference in long-term appearance. Comfort matters too, as the feel of the fabric impacts how enjoyable your seating experience will be. Most importantly, the fabric should perform well in your specific environment—whether that’s a covered patio, full sun exposure, or a poolside setting where moisture and heavy use are common.

When choosing outdoor cushion fabric, these factors matter far more than grade:

Durability | Measured by abrasion resistance (double rub count)

UV Resistance | How well the fabric resists fading

Cleanability | Ease of removing stains, mold, and mildew

Comfort | How the fabric feels for seating

Performance in Your Environment | Covered patio vs full sun vs poolside

Why Fabric Grades Can Be Misleading

Fabric grading sounds like a quality ranking system, but it isn’t.

That’s why it often creates confusion:

• Customers assume higher grade = better product

• Designers may interpret grades differently

• Same fabric appears in different grade levels across brands

Fabric grading is best understood as a pricing structure rather than a universal measure of quality. Each manufacturer sets their own fabric grades based on cost, design complexity, and production factors—not on a standardized industry rating system. That means a higher-grade fabric isn’t necessarily more durable or better performing than a lower-grade option, and grades cannot be directly compared across different brands. Instead of focusing on the grade itself, the most important consideration is how the fabric performs in your specific outdoor environment—taking into account sun exposure, moisture, usage, and overall lifestyle needs.

Fabric Grade FAQ

Is Group C fabric better than Group A?

Not necessarily. It usually costs more, but may not be more durable or better performing.

Why is the same fabric a different grade from another company?

Each manufacturer creates their own grading system based on their cost structure and purchasing volume.

Does Sunbrella always fall into the same fabric grade?

No. Sunbrella can appear in different grades depending on the manufacturer.

Should I choose fabric based on grade?

No. Focus on durability, performance, and appearance instead.

What matters more than fabric grade?

UV resistance, cleanability, comfort, and how the fabric performs in your environment.